Union Power Minister P M Sayeed has reportedly declined to take over from Sardar Buta Singh as the governor of Bihar.

Singh had been in the centre of controversy ever since he ordered the dissolution of the Bihar Assembly in May this year. Last week, he transferred 17 senior ranking officers of the Bihar administration against the wishes of Chief Secretary G S Kang.

Opposition parties had been baying for Buta Singh's blood and had met President A P J Abdul Kalam, seeking the recall of Singh.

Also read: Buta Singh summoned to Delhi

According to sources, the union cabinet was looking for a replacement for Singh.

Taking note of the large scale transfers, the Election Commission of India has asked the Bihar government not to opt for any further transfers as elections in the state were round the corner.

Welcoming the move, Pramod Mahajan of the Bhartiya Janata Party said, "We are happy that the EC has taken note of the developments in Bihar and issued this directive."